Basel Rail Repairs Announced by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)

In a recent statement, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) confirmed extensive repair and engineering works around Basel, leading to anticipated disruptions in public transport. Commencing on March 13, these works are slated to continue beyond Easter. Key rail lines, such as those connecting Basel and Olten, and Basel and Liestal, will undergo vital repairs, expansions, and renovations throughout 2024, necessitating cancellations and service disruptions. SBB assures passengers that these inconveniences will result in improved services, including quarter-hourly S-Bahn services between Basel and Liestal and a half-hourly service between Basel, Delémont, and Biel/Bienne by the end of 2025, ensuring safety and punctuality.

Timetable Changes in Basel: March 13 Onwards

From March 13 to June 24 and August 11 to November 8, 2024, train services between Basel and Fricktal will be restricted. IR36 services (Basel-Zurich Airport) will experience reductions in both directions on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm. Additionally, adjustments will affect S1 trains between Basel SBB and Laufenburg. Passengers are encouraged to consult the official SBB app for real-time service updates. Replacement bus services will operate between Möhlin and Stein-Säckingen.

Major Basel Train Disruptions: March 16 to 18, 2024

The most significant disruptions are expected from March 16 to 18, 2024. Passengers are advised of the following affected connections:

IR27 Basel – Liestal: Use the S3 instead.
IC21 Basel – Lugano and IR26 Basel – Locarno: Travel via Zurich for Ticino destinations.
IR36 Basel – Frick: Seek alternative rail connections.
IR36 Basel – Zurich HB: A replacement train will run between Rheinfelden and Stein-Säckingen.
IC51 Basel – Biel / Bienne: A replacement train will operate between Aesch and Laufen.
TGV Zurich – Basel – Paris Gare de Lyon: Some trains will be canceled.
ICE: Cancellations for some German long-distance trains (refer to Deutsche Bahn website).
S3 Olten – Laufen – Porrentruy: No direct trains between Olten and Porrentruy; a replacement bus will cover the section between Laufen and Aesch.
S1 Basel – Frick / Laufenburg: A replacement train will run between Möhlin and Stein-Säckingen.
S6 Basel – Zell im Wiesental: Trains will no longer run every half hour.

SBB explains that extensive disruptions are due to construction work at Basel SBB, Muttenz, Laufental, Fricktal, and some repairs to lines in Germany and France.

Easter Disruptions in Basel SBB: March 29 to April 2, 2024

Over the Easter holidays, from 1 am on March 29 to 4:30 am on April 2, no EC, IC21, or IR26 trains will run to Basel. Passengers are encouraged to change trains in Olten or Zurich for their final destinations.

Ongoing Disruptions on Basel-Olten Line: 2024 Schedule

Ongoing disruptions are expected on the Basel-Olten line, including significant restrictions from April 12 to April 15. Further major timetable changes are anticipated from July 7 to August 12, with S9 trains replaced by buses. Similar disruptions are forecasted on four weekends from November 16 to December 8. Travelers on affected days are strongly advised to plan journeys in advance using the SBB website or app and seek assistance from staff if needed.